Tainui

From Freepedia

Tainui is a Maori Iwi Waka Confederation of New Zealand.

The Tainui Waka (canoe) confederation comprises of four closely related Maori Iwi of the central north island of New Zealand. The four Iwi being, Hauraki, Maniapoto, Raukawa and Waikato. The Tainui Waka was one of seven waka that voyaged from Hawaiki to New Zealand many years ago.

However, it is well know that the Waikato Iwi has used the name Tainui to describe itself for sometime; with many people now refering to the Waikato Iwi as Tainui or Waikato-Tainui. The Waikato-Tainui Iwi is based in the Waikato region and the Waikato River plays a large role in the history and culture of the iwi. Hamilton, New Zealand is the largest population center, but Ngaruawahia is also important historically and for the National Marae; Turangawaewae. The Waikato-Tainui Iwi comprises of 33 Hapu (sub-tribes) and 65 Marae (Family groupings). There are over 50,000 tribal members who affliate to Waikato-Tainui.

Waikato-Tainui's governing parlimentary body is Te Kauhanganui o Waikato Incorporated, which comprises of 195 tribal members; 3 members from each 65 Marae. The 65 Marae are spread over a large area from Te Kuiti and Cambridge in the south to Auckland City in the north. The Waikato-Tainui tribal administration (Iwi Authority) is the Waikato Raupatu Trustee Company Ltd and is situated at Hopuhopu, Ngaruawahia.

There have traditionally been strong links between Tainui and the University of Waikato, which has strengths in Maori language and modern local history. The university also hold documents and objects related to the tribe.